I live in Spokane, Washington, land of ice, snow, and studded snow tires.
The studded tires take a toll on the roads, wearing ruts into concrete surfaces in just a few years.
My '93 Passat tends to strongly "lock in" to the ruts (always has, even from new). It is possible to drive for miles with my hands off the steering wheel, guided by the ruts.
The problem lies in trying to get out of the ruts. As I turn the wheel, the car first resists moving out of the ruts, and then snaps out of them, sometimes making control somewhat difficult. Even worse is crossing a rutted lane on the freeway - the problem is encountered three times, making driving even more "exciting".
On flat roads without ruts, the car handles just fine. I can't feel any play in the suspension.
My '01 Audi A4 is MUCH less susceptible to this problem.
Are there any solutions to this problem?
Don Borowski